Thermal effects on early-age cracking potential of concrete bridge decks

This paper pertains to the simulation of heat of hydration and other thermal effects that can promote early-age cracking of concrete bridge decks. Discrete (lattice) models are validated using temperature data acquired from the monitoring of freshly cast bridge decks. Longitudinal segments of the bridge structures are discretized in three dimensions. The deck concrete produces heat due to hydration, while the supporting concrete girders act as a heat sink. Appropriate boundary conditions account for heat exchange with the environment, including the space within the internal cells of the deck. The validated models are then used for parametric study. The parametric analyses indicate that solar heating and cement content are among the primary factors affecting concrete peak temperature and maximum temperature difference between the fresh deck concrete and the supporting concrete structure. These analyses may be used to estimate the likelihood of cracking in the deck concrete and to study measures to mitigate deck cracking.